“What does that mean?” Amelia cried.
“Bleed to death,” Graham said. “What’s this surgeon’s name?”
“His name is Sloan, but—”
“Bring him here!” Amelia got to her feet.
“My dear, he cannot save your brother.”
“You just said he could do it. He fixed that woman. Stopped her from bleeding to death, yes?”
He nodded, wiping sweat from his brow. “Yes, but this is a very different surgical situation. I don’t know how I could convince him to come.”
“But he is in London?”
“Yes.”
“Bring him here.”
“You can’t order him to perform a reckless procedure. Even if he would agree to do it, your brother would almost certainly die before we could reach the surgery amphitheater.”
“Where can I find this man?” Amelia asked impatiently.
Dr. Bradley shook his head belligerently. “I’m sorry.”
Amelia warned. “You will be if you don’t answer the question.”
“He’s staying with Dr. Smithson’s family in Penny Square. But I don’t know what you think you can do, my lady.”
“I know someone who is skilled at convincing men to do just about anything.” Amelia looked to Graham. “You stay. Keep him alive. I’ll be back.”
“Amelia, what are you thinking?” Graham asked.
“I’m going to make a deal with the Widow. She’ll make him do it, and Mr. Chase will collect him.”
Graham nodded. Surprise stunned her, but she turned away and ran down the hall. Outside, the street was busy with the usual comings and goings of the morning. Amelia peered around. She knew he’d be out here. Lurking.
“Where are you?” she called. “Come out, Mr. Chase!”
In her periphery, he stepped around the corner, strolling toward her as he lit a cigar.
“You summoned me?”
Amelia wasted no time with banter. “My brother is upstairs dying. He’s bleeding inside his body, and it won’t stop. There is an American doctor staying at the Smithson residence in Penny Square. Convince Mrs. Bessie Dove-Lyon to make him fix my brother.”
Mr. Chased raised his eyebrow. “What makes you think she will do your bidding?”
Amelia swallowed. She only had one card to play. Sam would not like it. He might even hate her for it for the rest of his life, but as long as he was alive, she didn’t care.
“She wants him to marry a woman of her choosing. I will guarantee it as long as he survives.”
Mr. Chase narrowed his eyes at her. “You aren’t in a position to do that.”
“I’m his twin. I can make him. Just save him, please.” Her throat tightened. “I don’t know what else to offer.”
He tilted his head to one side as he studied her. “Ifyour offer is accepted, where am I to deliver this sawbones?”
“Here. He must also bring everything he needs to perform the surgery here. I know it’s risky.”
